Ph.D. Student Spotlight

Anahid Moghadam
After graduating from Northwestern with her second master’s, Anahid Moghadam knew there was still so much to learn. Having developed a love of research, she decided to pursue a Ph.D. in environmental engineering to deepen her knowledge and learn “how to think like a scientist.”
Q&A
1. Where are you from?
I’m from Tehran, Iran.
2. Where did you get your undergraduate degree, and what was your major? Do you have an MS?
I completed my bachelor's degree in microbiology at the University of Tehran, Iran. I also pursued my master's there in Microbial Biotechnology. After joining Northwestern, I completed additional coursework and earned a second master's degree in civil and environmental engineering.
3. What attracted you to engineering?
Transitioning to engineering was a joint decision between me and my advisor, Dr. Erica Hartmann. Since my bachelor’s and master’s projects focused on environmental microbiology, Dr. Hartmann thought I’d be a good fit for this program. I was also excited about the opportunity to explore a new discipline and develop skills that would broaden my research capabilities.
4. What attracted you to pursue a Ph.D. in your specialty area?
I think the first time I decided I wanted to do a Ph.D. was during the short gap between finishing my bachelor's and starting my master’s. It was only three months, but that short period, the first time in years I wasn’t working on a specific project or spending time in the lab, made me realize how much I loved research. I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. That’s when I knew I wanted to pursue a Ph.D., to deepen my understanding and learn how to think like a scientist.
5. How do you explain your thesis research to a non-scientist?
I’m working on several projects, but the one I enjoy explaining most is titled, “The effect of Quorum sensing on target phage susceptibility in lab-standard and clinical Pseudomonas isolates.”
When we hear about bacteria in the news, we often think of them as isolated cells or, at most, as part of a biofilm. But bacteria are far more connected than that. Many bacterial cells can “talk” to each other through a process called quorum sensing. Essentially, they can sense how many other bacteria are nearby and adjust their behavior by turning genes on or off. This helps them respond to their environment, whether that means attacking a host or defending themselves.
One of their natural predators is a type of virus called a bacteriophage (or phage for short). These viruses specifically target bacteria, making them a promising tool for fighting antibiotic-resistant infections. In my research, I’m exploring how disrupting quorum sensing in certain bacteria can affect their susceptibility to phage infection. This could advance our understanding of phage therapy and help combat the growing problem of antibiotic resistance.
6. What attracted you to NU?
During my search for Ph.D. programs, I came across Dr. Hartmann’s work. Her research and the projects in her lab immediately caught my attention. After a few virtual meetings with her, I knew I wanted to join her lab. Of course, Northwestern’s reputation as a top-tier university made the decision even easier.
7. What has been the highlight of your time at NU and CEE?
I would definitely say the people. I really appreciate the atmosphere that people create in this department. From my lab mates to the professors I’ve had classes with, everyone always made me feel welcomed, supported, and accepted, which is one of the most important things to me as an international student.
8. What has been the most challenging aspect of your graduate school experience?
For me, the biggest challenge has been learning to juggle multiple demanding tasks at once. I used to think a Ph.D. was primarily about developing academic skills, but I’ve come to realize how much it’s also about time management and balancing competing priorities.
9. Can you tell us about your experience being mentored or mentoring others?
Mentoring—and being mentored—has taught me that it’s about much more than just academic or lab skills. It’s about understanding and appreciating people’s differences and helping them channel those differences in ways that are both enjoyable and productive. It’s a complex responsibility, but I’m grateful to have Dr. Hartmann as a role model in this regard.
10. What are your interests or hobbies outside of your research?
I take pride in my video gaming skills! Gaming, especially video games, is one of the things I think I’ll always love, no matter how old I am.